Veterinary Technician

For animal lovers, the career of a veterinary technician seems made to order.  A veterinary technician does many of the same tasks for a veterinarian that a nurse would do in a busy medical practice. 

A veterinary technician will often work in a veterinarian’s office and may be assigned such tasks as conducting tests and caring for animals that are ill or injured. They often take blood, urine and stool samples and perform routine clinical procedures to assist the veterinarian in diagnostic work.

Veterinary technicians will take patient history and may work as admitting and billing clerks as well as the more technical aspects of the position.  With experience, veterinary technicians may provide training for other employees at a veterinary clinic.  Technicians often provide day-to-day care for small domestic animals under the care of the veterinarian, but rarely will they be responsible for the care of non-domestic animals.

A veterinary technician usually will have completed the requirements for a two-year Associate degree from a community college or trade school, although online programs offering the associate degree are becoming popular as well. 

Salary expectations are good for those in the field, as people are anxious to provide cutting-edge care for their small animal pets. A typical salary in the United States would be in the $23,000 range as of 2002.  Experience brings higher salaries. The field is forecast to have a higher than average job growth potential through 2014.

Each state requires veterinary technicians to pass a competency test before being certified, licensed or registered, depending upon the degree of competency.  Special competency exams are required of those working in research facilities.

Additional information may be found at the following website.

http://www.navta.net